THE administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. continues to strengthen its support for Filipino students by institutionalizing Project BALAY (Building Access to Learning for Students), an initiative that aims to provide safe, secure, and affordable housing in higher education institutions.

In a Palace press briefing on Wednesday, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro announced that the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Pag-IBIG Fund signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) last January 23, paving the way for the implementation of Project Balay.

The program is designed to provide affordable housing for students, faculty members, and non-teaching personnel in state universities and colleges.

“Layunin ng nasabing programa na tugunan ang mga non-academic barriers gaya ng kakulangan sa safe and accessible student housing,” Castro said.

The Palace official said the initiative is in line with President Marcos’ directive to ease the burden on Filipino students and their families, while ensuring that young people receive the necessary support to finish their studies and reach their full potential.

Castro added that, according to CHED Chairperson Shirley Agrupis, access to quality and secure student housing plays a crucial role in improving academic performance and increasing completion rates among learners.

Under the signed agreement, CHED and Pag-IBIG Fund will further strengthen their collaboration to establish student-oriented housing solutions and other initiatives that promote inclusive and accessible education.

“Ligtas, maayos at accessible na pabahay para sa ating mga mag-aaral — isa lamang ‘yan sa hakbang ng pamahalaan para pagyamanin ang sektor ng edukasyon para sa isang mas maunlad na Bagong Pilipinas,” said Castro.